Operative Clauses
Operative clauses contain the actual policy actions and solutions of a Model UN resolution. While preambulatory clauses describe the problem, operative clauses detail exactly what the committee will do to solve it.
Grammar and Formatting Rules:
- Each clause must begin with a verb in the third-person present tense.
- The opening operative phrase must be underlined and the clause numbered.
- Every operative clause must end with a semicolon (;), except for the final clause in the entire resolution, which ends with a period (.).
The Comprehensive Operative List:
| A - D | E - R | S - U |
|---|---|---|
| Accepts | Emphasizes | Solemnly affirms |
| Affirms | Encourages | Strongly condemns* |
| Approves | Endorses | Supports |
| Authorizes | Expresses its appreciation | Takes note of |
| Calls | Expresses its hope | Transmits |
| Calls upon | Further invites | Trusts |
| Condemns* | Further proclaims | Urges |
| Confirms | Further recommends | |
| Congratulates | Further requests | |
| Considers | Notes | |
| Decides* | Proclaims | |
| Declares | Reaffirms | |
| Demands* | Recommends | |
| Deplores | Regrets | |
| Designates | Reminds | |
| Draws the attention | Requests |
*Note: Phrases like Condemns, Demands, and Decides strictly mandate action and are generally reserved for the UN Security Council, not the General Assembly.
The Digital Advantage:
Vetting committees frequently reject resolutions because delegates use Security Council operatives in a General Assembly committee, or fail to number their clauses. If your conference runs on MUN-Key.com, the platform’s automated scanner cross-references your operatives against your specific committee's mandate, warning delegates of invalid operative phrases instantly.